National Press Day: Tripura CM urges ethical journalism, skill development workshops

Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that maintaining political, social, and cultural harmony is one of the foremost responsibilities of journalists, as they serve as the mirror of society.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Press Day celebration organised by the ICA Department at the Sukanta Academy Auditorium, Saha said that accurate news dissemination is an art, and although journalism is a profession, it is best pursued with a sense of duty toward society.

This year’s theme for National Press Day is “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.”

In his speech, the Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role of newspapers and journalists in upholding democracy. He said that freedom of speech and expression is the lifeblood of the media, but journalists must remain alert and responsible while reporting any news.

“With the growing prevalence of misinformation on social media, all stakeholders must work together to overcome this challenge. Journalists of Tripura are in no way inferior in quality when compared to journalists from other states,” Saha said.

The Chief Minister urged senior journalists to conduct monthly workshops to help young journalists enhance their skills and strengthen ethical journalism practices.

Referring to the murders of two journalists in the state in previous years, the Chief Minister assured that the government is continuously working to ensure justice for them.

Saha also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring journalists' safety and dignity, noting that the ICA Department has already formed various committees for journalists’ welfare and will implement their recommendations in phases.

Executive Editor of Tripura Times Newspaper, Manas Pal; Editor of Dainik Fariad, Shanit Debroy; Agartala Press Club President, Pranab Sarkar; ICA Secretary, Dr. P. K. Chakraborty; and ICA Director, Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, were present.

During the event, the organisers felicitated two senior journalists of the state, Pranamay Saha of Amarpur and Anupam Bhattacharjee of Kailashahar, with shawls, mementos, and financial honorariums.